Monday, December 12, 2011

My sister, Jack's Auntie, has started a group called Jack's Lanterns as way for runners/walkers/riders of any level to join together and dedicate some of their races to Jack's memory. Money raised goes to Jack's favorite charity, Samaritan's Purse. I love how friends and strangers, scattered around the globe, can join this team together to help spread some of the light that Jack brought into this world. Non-athletes (like, uh, me) can contribute in his name on the secure website. Consider adding yourself to the team!

Here's what Auntie had to say:

We are a group of runners, riders and walkers who want to give meaning to our efforts.

We are inspired by Jack Donaldson, our beloved son, nephew, and friend. We will never forget him. His patience and good humor inspire us to keep moving when the going gets tough. His intelligence and attention to detail inspire us to do our best and to notice the needs in the world around us. His kindness and love for others inspire us to support a ministry he loved: Samaritan's Purse.

The name "Jack's Lanterns" is borrowed from the back of a relay team shirt at a recent race. It reminds us that Jack's light is still with us. Through Samaritan's Purse, we share Jack's light and help others in the name of the Light of the World.

A few of us are running our first full marathon in March. Others are running for the first time in a long time, or choosing new distances and events in honor of Jack. Please lace up your shoes and join us! If you would like to join our team, just let us know. We would love to have a virtual team in a variety of events throughout the year.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support our fundraising efforts.

Thats awesome! My friend's 16 year old brother passed away almost one year ago in January. In his honor her and a bunch of their friends/family ran a half marathon on what would have been his 17th birthday in April. It was a great way for all of them to remember him and work towards something while dealing with their grief. Now many of them are avid runners! I hope the same can come from Jack's Lanterns :)

Luv2run..........HELLO!?!?!!? OF course I want to be apart of this group!

I run almost everyday, mostly on the W&OD trail......I have an interesting story, which I didn't want to share when all the bird stories came about because it just didnt seem right, until now.

After Anna posted the bird series....I was running down the trail and out of know where a bird flew straight into my stomach....I mean like I was a brick wall...slam!!!!!!! It scared the lights out of me, I screamed out loud...NO ONE flinched (weird) and the bird fluttered at my belly and then just flew off. I swear....and I know this is strange.....I swear it was a sign of Jack!!!! Basically knocking some sense into this runner!!!!!!! The reason why I know....I have been so drawn to his life, his stories and his family...who I have NEVER met!!!!! I believe his story has made me a better mother, person and has given me a better perspective in life!!!! Birds just dont fly into someone....they just DONT!!!!!!!!

I think you just gave me the motivation I needed. I had a goal to run a full marathon by the time I turned 40. Well..that's coming up in 2 weeks so my husband says so long as I run it during my 40th year--it counts. :) This I can do--for Jack!xoAnnie P.

that picture.. ah man... my son was sitting with me and he saw the LA out of the corner of his eye and he goes... go back to that picture. who is that? and i told him and he goes, "oh. he liked the dodgers? that's cool. he looks like someone i'd be friends with." and he does. which is why when i look at jack's pictures, i see parts of blake. especially when he's decked in dodger gear. hey- anytime you want me to make one of your blog posts all about me, just let me know. lol

Maybe you guys could create a T-shirt to sell to those who want to wear it for a race and then donate the proceeds to Samaritan's Purse... I would definitely buy one. Maybe it would say Jack's Lanterns on the front and then have his life verse on the back...

Anna, I wish I could turn back the clock for you ... my heart aches for you and your family. I pray for God's peace and strength to be upon you during this most difficult first Christmas without him. Lots of love and prayers from Houston...

Possessor of roots perpetually in need of a touch up, Anna lives with her two delightfully imperfect children, a charmingly imperfect husband, and a disobedient dog. Her nest is feathered with found objects in need of love. She is a dabbler, skilled in no particular area, but she strives to do more good than harm and live a life of simple faith. Some days are better than others.